Christmas Day in the United States
Christmas Day falls on December 25 and is a federal legal public holiday in the United States. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, while customs across the country include religious services, family gatherings, meals, decorated trees and gift giving.[1][3]
Meaning and history
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The date is December 25; the Congressional Research Service notes that the holiday was among the first four established by federal legislation in 1870, initially for federal employees in the District of Columbia.[1][3]
The religious meaning remains central for many Christians, who may attend church services or take part in community activities such as caroling. Christmas is also one of several religious holidays observed in the United States, alongside holidays from other faith traditions.[3][4]
How people celebrate
Common U.S. Christmas customs include displaying decorated trees, exchanging gifts, attending plays or pageants, and gathering with family. Traditions differ among households and communities, so these examples do not describe every celebration.[3]
Food traditions also vary. The Library of Congress’s cookbook collections document dishes and recipes associated with different communities and regions, including tamales described as a Christmas tradition in parts of California and Texas. Families may draw on their own recipes and food customs.[5]
Federal holiday and weekend rules
Federal law lists Christmas Day, December 25, as a legal public holiday. The law governs federal pay and leave; it does not require every private employer to give employees the day off.[1]
For full-time federal employees whose usual workweek is Monday through Friday, the Office of Personnel Management says a Saturday holiday is observed on the preceding Friday, while a Sunday holiday is observed on the following Monday. Other federal work schedules can have different in-lieu-of rules. The observed workday does not change Christmas’s calendar date.[2]
Closures and planning
Many government offices and some private businesses close on federal holidays, but opening hours are not uniform. State and local governments may recognize their own holidays, and businesses set their own schedules; check with the office, shop, restaurant or service you plan to use.[4]
If you are traveling or arranging a visit, confirm hours and service schedules directly with providers in advance. The federal holiday designation does not establish a single nationwide schedule for private businesses or local services.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas Day a federal holiday in the United States?
Yes. Federal law lists Christmas Day on December 25 as a legal public holiday for federal pay and leave purposes.[1]
Do all workers get the day off?
No. The federal holiday rules apply to federal employment. Private employers set their own schedules, and many government offices and some private businesses close.[1][4]
What happens when December 25 falls on a weekend?
For full-time federal employees on a Monday-to-Friday schedule, Saturday holidays are observed on the preceding Friday and Sunday holidays on the following Monday. Christmas itself remains December 25.[2]
Will shops and transport be open?
Hours vary by business and service. Check directly with shops, restaurants and transport providers before making plans.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in United States:
- 5 USC 6103: Holidays- Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives
- Federal Holidays - "In Lieu Of" Determination- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Christian Holidays: Fact Sheet- Congressional Research Service
- American holidays- USAGov, U.S. General Services Administration
- A Taste of the Holidays- Library of Congress